Receivers for television signals

ABSTRACT

A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device ( 28 ). The receiver includes a processor ( 23 ) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. In one mode of operation the decoder responds to manipulation of the control device by causing brief scheduling information pertaining to programs transmitted in the received signal to be displayed. In another mode of operation the receiver is arranged to display detailed scheduling information pertaining to plural different television signals. The receiver is operable to receive signals containing video data representing a plurality of video clips. The processor is arranged to process the signals and to cause simultaneous display of the clips on a television screen. The processor is arranged to respond to user manipulation of the control device by storing data for subsequent viewing of user selected programs. The decoder may further comprise a modem ( 32 ) and a CD-ROM drive ( 25   a ).

[0001] The present invention is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/952,603 filed Apr. 23, 1999 which is a nationalstage filing under 35 U.S.C. §371 of international application No.PCT/GB96/01228, filed May 22, 1996, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 to Great Britain patent application No. 9519651.5 filed Sep. 22,1995 and Great Britain patent application No. 9510429.5 filed May 22,1995.

[0002] The invention relates to improvements in receivers for televisionsignals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Originally a television (TV) in a typical home comprised a singleunit connectable to an antenna to receive UHF signals broadcastterrestrially in different channels each containing a single televisionprogramme from a respective television station. More recent advances intechnology have meant that additional equipment, such as video cassetterecorders (VCRs) and satellite/cable receiver/decoders (decoders) havebecome affordable and more widely used. A VCR enables the recording ofbroadcasts and the playback of previously recorded cassettes. A decoderenables the reception of additional television programmes broadcast in arelatively large number of channels in media using cable orsatellite-based technology. Thus, a television system comprising a TV, aVCR and a decoder, enables a user to select for viewing or recording awide range of terrestrial and satellite/cable programmes and to playback previously recorded programmes. Such a system therefore enables theuser to select a programme for viewing from multiple different media.

[0004] As the size of a television system is increased by the additionof extra equipment, control and operation of the system becomes morecomplex. The VCR and the decoder can be linked to the TV via its UHFinput by tuning the TV to receive UHF signals from the VCR in onechannel and to receive UHF signals from the decoder in another channel.For this to operate satisfactorily, the VCR and the decoder must each betuned to output signals in different channels than each other and inchannels not used by terrestrial stations. The VCR and the decoder eachcontain a modulating circuit for placing the signals onto a UHF carrierso that the signals can be demodulated by the receiver within the TV.Such modulation and demodulation is undesirable because it results insome degradation (albeit generally undetectable by the viewer) in theprogramme from the VCR or decoder.

[0005] These problems can to some extent be avoided by the use ofso-called SCART connectors between the TV, the VCR and the decoder. TheSCART system avoids the unnecessary use of UHF carriers by providing adirect path between the VCR, the decoder and the TV. The SCART systemincludes control lines that enable the VCR to override signals from theTV receiver, thereby causing the programme from the VCR to be displayedon the TV screen, and similarly enable the decoder to override signalsfrom both the TV receiver and the VCR so that the programme from thedecoder is displayed on the TV screen. The use of SCART connectors thussimplifies connection between, and selection of, the TV, the VCR and thedecoder.

[0006] However, the SCART system does not overcome the problem ofuser-friendly control and use of the system. Separate controls (usuallyin the form of remote handsets) are provided for each of the TV, the VCRand the decoder. Recording a satellite/cable programme on the VCRrequires the user to programme the VCR at the required time and toprogramme the decoder to switch on to the required satellite/cableprogramme at the required time. While this is not difficult for viewerspossessed of the appropriate skills, it is too much for a large numberof viewers who find such technology bewildering.

[0007] At present most broadcasting, regardless of media, is analogbased and comprises a single television service (e.g. SKY ONE, SKYSPORTS, SKY MOVIES) transmitted on a carrier signal or channel. However,the use of digital based broadcast technology is imminent. Digitalbroadcast technology will enable television service companies totransmit in a single channel high definition television programmes, orplural programmes at conventional definition or multiple customerservices, or a combination of these.

[0008] In a conventional analogue-based television broadcast systemprogrammes (or “services”) are broadcast by separate television servicecompanies on a single carrier signal (“channel”). In a digital basedbroadcast system it is possible to broadcast plural services multiplexedtogether on a single carrier. Unless the context requires otherwise theterm “channel” will be used herein to refer to the bandwidth used by asingle service to broadcast television programmes or other customerservices. The term “channel” therefore encompasses both an entirecarrier signal (when the signal is used entirely by a single service)and a portion of a carrier signal (when the signal is shared by pluralservices).

[0009] The ability to transmit multiple channels in a single carriersignal enables a far greater number of services to be provided in thedigital domain than is possible in the analogue domain. Some of thechannels in a carrier may be used to provide conventional televisionprogrammes while simultaneously other channels in the carrier are usedto provide data for other customer services such as television programmelistings, on-line programme ordering or so-called pay-per-view (PPV)services, and so on. Customer services should not be confused with the“services” provided by television companies as discussed hereinabove.

[0010] Clearly, as digital broadcasting technology is adopted by thestation, the above-discussed problems will increase.

[0011] The invention aims to provide a greater degree of integrationwithin a television system.

[0012] The invention also aims to simplify user control over atelevision system. In an embodiment of the invention to be described ingreater detail hereinbelow, this simplification is achieved by makingthe control more user friendly by making it more intuitive.

[0013] In one aspect the invention provides a remote control device forcontrolling a television system including a plurality of independentlycontrollable units, the device comprising plural user selectable keysand being arranged to response to user selection of a key bytransmitting separate command signals to each of the independentlycontrollable units to cause the television systems to be configured in afirst mode and thereafter responding to further user selection of thekeys by transmitting command signals pertinent to the first mode of thetelevision system.

[0014] In another aspect the invention provides a receiver for receivingdigital television signals transmitted in a plurality of channels eachcomprising video data and information data the receiver comprising: adecoder circuit operable on one selected channel for separating in theone channel the information data and the video data and converting thevideo data into signals for output for a television; a store for storinginformation data; a viewer operable control device; and a processorconnected to receive the information data from the decoder circuitand/or the store, the processor being arranged to respond to vieweroperation of the control device by processing selected information datato convert the same into signals representative thereof for output for atelevision in combination with the video signals.

[0015] In a further aspect the invention provides a receiver forreceiving television signals in a plurality of channels, each signalcomprising video data defining a television programme and programmescheduling data defining the scheduling of programmes in the pluralityof channels as scheduling events, the receiver being arranged to producefrom a received television signal output signals defining an image ofthe television programme and an image of scheduling events for displayon a television screen, the receiver comprising a user operable selectoroperable to select for display a schedule of events for one channelwhile displaying a television programme in another channel or to selectfor display a television programme in one channel while displaying aschedule of events for the one channel or another channel.

[0016] In another aspect the invention provides a receiver for receivingtelevision signals defining television programmes in a plurality ofchannels, the receiver being arranged to produce output signals defininga plurality of video clips representing television programmes availablein the plural signal channels which output signals are output fordisplay of the clips in respective areas on a television screen, thereceiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select one ofthe displayed clips and responding to such user selection by storingdata to cause the receiver to receive the television signals when theprogramme is transmitted in the corresponding channel for display of theprogramme on a television screen.

[0017] In a further aspect the invention provides a receiver forreceiving television signals in a plurality of channels each defining atelevision programme and at least a signal in one of the channelsfurther comprising programme scheduling data defining events in terms ofchannels, programmes and broadcast times, the receiver being arranged toproduce output signals defining an image of events in the programmeschedule for displaying on a television screen, the receiver comprisinga user operable selector operable to select events identified in thedisplayed programme schedule and responding to such user selection bystoring data to cause the receiver to receive television signalsdefining the programmes in the channels and at the times correspondingto the selected events.

[0018] In another aspect the invention provides a receiver for receivinga television signal comprising video data defining a video picture andinformation data defining information relating to user selectableservices, the receiver being arranged to produce output signals definingan image representing available services for display on a televisionscreen, the receiver comprising a user operable selector operable toselect a displayed service and a modem responsive to such user selectionfor establishing a connection via a telephone line to a provider of theselected service.

[0019] In a further aspect the invention provides a receiver forreceiving a television signal comprising video data defining a videopicture and message data defining messages or information to be receivedby a destination specified by an identity code, the receiver beingarranged to produce output signals defining the video picture fordisplay on a television screen, the receiver having a unique identitycode and being arranged to respond to reception of message data havingan identity code corresponding to the unique identity code by producingoutput signals representing the message or information in the messagedata for display on a television screen.

[0020] The above and further features of the invention are set forthwith particularity in the appended claims and together with advantagesthereof will become clearer from consideration of the following detaileddescription of an exemplary embodiment of the invention given withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a television receiver system;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a satellite decoder;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a functional diagram showing interaction betweenhardware and software of the decoder of FIG. 2;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a schematic functional diagram of a remote control unit;

[0026]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a keypad of the remote controlunit;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a screen displayed whenchanging channels;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram representing a “surf” function;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a flow diagram representing a “search” function;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an IEPG screen;

[0031]FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a TV Guide screen;

[0032]FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a programme mosaicscreen; and

[0033]FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a Box Office screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0034] SYSTEM OVERVIEW

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings a televisionreceiver system 1 comprises a television (TV), a digital integratedreceiver decoder 3 (decoder) connected to receive signals from asatellite dish antenna 4, and a video cassette recorder 5 (VCR). Thesystem 1 optionally further comprises a personal computer 6 (PC) atelephone/modem 7 and a games console 8 each connected via respectivelines to the decoder 3. SCART connectors or other standard connectorsmay be used as appropriate. The decoder 3 acts as an interface betweenthe TV 2 and the VCR 5, PC 6, modem 7 and games console 8 and thusserves to control the system 1.

[0036]FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the decoder 3 in greaterdetail. The dish antenna receives signals from a satellite (not shown).

[0037] Signals from the dish antenna 4 are input to a tuner 12 and fromthere to a quadrature phase shift key (QPSK) demodulator 13. Demodulatedsignals are error corrected by way of a forward error corrector circuit14. Data from the forward error corrector circuit is supplied to atransport/demultiplexer 15 which separates the data into video data,audio data, user services data, programme scheduling data, etc. fordistribution to various locations within the decoder. Satellite (andindeed cable) programmes are usually scrambled to prevent unauthorisedaccess by non-authorised subscribers. The decoder 3 therefore comprisesa conditional access control circuit 16 which cooperates with a smartcard 16 a to determine whether the viewer has subscribed to a particularchannel and is therefore authorised to access the channel. Parentalcontrol over channel access is also provided, at least in part, by theaccess control circuit 16. The decoder 3 further comprises adescrambling circuit 17 which is controlled by the access controlcircuit 16 to enable the descrambling of the signal by authorisedsubscribers.

[0038] The received signals comprise digitally encoded data. It isenvisaged that the data will be compressed using for example the MPEG 2standard which permits both programme data and additional data (forexample customer service data) to be transmitted in a single channel.MPEG 2 enables high compression ratios to be achieved.

[0039] Descrambled signals from the descrambling circuit 17 are input toa video decompression and processing circuit 18 and an audiodecompression and processing circuit 19, operating according to the MPEGstandard for example. Decompressed video signals are input to a SCARTinterface 20 for direct input to the TV 2 and to a PAL encoder 21 wherethey are encoded into the PAL format for modulation by a UHF modulator22 for output to the UHF input of the TV if so desired.

[0040] The system 3 is controlled by a processor 23 which communicateswith the various units of the system via a bus 24. The processor 23 hasassociated with it ROM 25 (optionally including a CD-ROM drive 25 a),RAM 26 (comprising both dynamic RAM and static RAM) and a flash(non-volatile and writable) memory 27. As will be explained in greaterdetail hereinafter the processor 23 controls operation of the decoder 3by controlling the tuner 12 to receive signals for the desired channelfrom the dish antenna 4 and to control demultiplexing, descrambling anddecompression so that the desired programme and/or customer service datais displayed on the screen of the TV 2. Viewer selection of desiredprogrammes and customer services is controlled by way of a remotecontrol unit 28 which in response to viewer manipulation thereoftransmits control signals to a receiver 29 for input to the processor23.

[0041] The system 3 further comprises a high-speed data interface 30 andan RS232 interface 31 providing a serial link. The high-speed datainterface 30 and the RS232 interface may be connected to the PC 6 and/orthe games console 8 of FIG. 1. The decoder 3 further comprises a modeminterface 32 for connecting to the telephone/modem 7 of FIG. 1.

[0042] Operation of the decoder 3, especially the processor 23, iscontrolled by software that makes the processor 23 responsive to controlsignals from the remote control unit 28 and to data included in thesignal received by the dish antenna 4 and in the memory units 25 to 27.A schematic representation of the interaction between hardware andsoftware in the decoder 3 is shown in FIG. 3 of the accompanyingdrawings. The data in an incoming signal is separated by the transporter15 into video data and information data. The information data isdistributed around the hardware and software, as will be described ingreater detail hereinafter. The video data and the audio data isdemultiplexed and output in suitable form for supply to a TV by the MPEGvideo and audio circuits 18 and 19. When information is to be displayedeither with or instead of the video, data representing the informationis output in suitable form for supply to the TV via an on-screen driver33 and the video circuit 18. Signals from the OSD driver 33 and thevideo circuit 18 are combined as appropriate before being supplied tothe TV. Operation of the software and hardware of the decoder 3 is basedaround an operating system 35. The conditional access controller 16 hasassociated software which interfaces with the operating system via anapplication translator 36. The processor 23 has its own base operatingsystem 37 which interfaces to the decoder operating system 35 via anapplication translator 38. Applications such as an intelligentelectronic programming guide (IEPG) 39 and other applications 40interface to the operating system 35 via an applications interface 41and associated application translator 42.

[0043] The software for applications such as the conditional access 16and the intelligent electronic programming guide 39 are installedpermanently within non-volatile memory, e.g. the ROM 25, of the decoder3, but variable information such as new access codes and TV programmescheduling details is updated regularly via signals received from thedish antenna 4. Demodulated signals from the demodulator 13 are input tothe transport portion of the transport demultiplexer 15 which examinesthe data to decide where it should be sent. From time to timesignificant changes may be made to conditional access codes or to themanner in which the intelligent electronic programme guide (IEPG) 39displays programme information. Also, programmes for new applications,say a new banking service for example, may be supplied via the satellitefor the decoder. Such data is routed by the transporter 15 directly tothe conditional access controller 16, the IEPG 39 and areas of the storefor other applications 40.

[0044] Operating data 43 is supplied on a substantially continuous basisin every channel. The operating data 43 includes conditional access data44 associated with a channel and/or programmes therein which enables theconditional access controller 16 to determine whether or not accessshould be allowed to a particular programme by descrambling the datatherefor. Additionally, operating data relating to customer services istransmitted in dedicated channels which will be referred to herein asIEPG channels because they carry control and information data for use bythe IEPG provided by the hardware and software of the processor 23 andthe associated memory devices 25 to 27. Thus, the operating data 43depicted in FIG. 3 also includes IEPG data 45 relating to specificprogrammes and the times at which those programmes will be broadcast,and service information 46 (for example relating to personal bankingservices) and indeed any other data 47 required on a substantiallycontinuous or regular basis for the aforementioned customer services.

[0045] The transporter 15 is arranged to supply the operating data 43 tothe processor 23 via the operating system 35. The processor 23 respondsto the data by sending appropriate commands or information to otherunits within the system. Control data is also transferred between theprocessor 23 and such units as the demultiplexer 15, the video and audiodecompressors 18, 19, the remote control receiver 29 and the high-speeddata interface 30 via respective drivers 48 to 52.

[0046] The combined hardware and software of the decoder 3 enables thedata in received channels to be decoded for display of viewer selectedprogrammes and customer services. The scrambling is controlled on acontinuous basis and the decoder can be updated with new descramblingcodes as and when required. Data for customer services can also besupplied and updated substantially continuously and programmes relatingto new services and applications can be down loaded into the decoder ifso desired.

[0047] Remote Control Unit

[0048] Turning now to FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings, the remotecontrol unit 28 comprises a keypad 60 which is scanned by a scanner 61.In response to manipulation of a key by the viewer, the scanner 61outputs a code representing the viewer selected key to a processor 62.The processor 62 has associated with it a memory 63 containing programmedata defining how the processor 62 should respond to codes from thescanner 61. The processor 62 is connected to control a commandtransmitter 64 including for example an infrared light emitting diode(not shown) for transmitting signals to the TV, the decoder 3 and theVCR 5 of the system shown in FIG. 1. Data defining the codes fortransmission by the transmitter are stored in the memory 63. The memory63 includes codes for the vast majority of televisions available in agiven market (e.g. the UK market) and can therefore be said to be a“universal” remote control. Viewer selection of appropriate codes fromthe memory 63 can be made by any one of a large number of well knownmethods and therefore will not be described in further detail herein.

[0049] The keys comprising the keypad 60 are shown in greater detail inFIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of simplicity itwill be assumed that control over the TV 2 and the decoder 3 only isrequired and that control over the VCR and other units is not required.It will, of course, be appreciated that the principles of operation ofthe remote control 28 in controlling the TV 2 and the decoder 3 caneasily be extended to controlling also the VCR 5 and any other remotelycontrollable apparatus comprising the system 1.

[0050] The keypad 60 includes a TV key 65 which causes the remotecontrol to function as a controller for the TV 1. When the TV key 65 ispressed the processor 62 responds by causing the transmitter 64 totransmit a command to the decoder to enter a standby mode in whichsignals are not transmitted via the SCART interface 20 (i.e. SCART pin 8to the TV is set low). The transmitter also transmits a command to theTV 2 to select a predetermined channel, e.g. channel 1. Thus, the system1 is controlled by the remote control unit 28 to operate in a televisionconfiguration in which the television receives terrestrial-basedsignals.

[0051] Once the command signals have been transmitted to the TV 2 andthe decoder 3, the processor 62 in the remote control enters a modecorresponding to the television configuration of the system 1. In thetelevision mode the remote control unit 28 responds to viewer operationof keys on the keypad 60 by transmitting command signals exclusively forthe TV 2.

[0052] Most, if not all, of the functions of the TV controlled by thevarious keys of the keypad 60 shown in FIG. 5 should be self-apparent,but for the sake of completeness the following comments will be made.The audio volume is controlled by a volume control key 66 so-arrangedthat pressing the left-hand side thereof reduces the volume of soundoutput from the TV and pressing the right-hand side increases thevolume. Pressing a mute key 67 causes the remote control unit 28 totransmit a command to mute the sound from the TV. A set of ten numerickeys 68 control TV channel selection.

[0053] A key 69 carrying the legend “INFO” causes the television toenter a teletext mode when first pressed (assuming the TV has a teletextfacility). Depending on the make and model of the TV, further operationof the key 69 will cause the television to toggle between “TEXT”, “MIX”,and “TV” teletext modes. The teletext mode is exited by pressing a keywith the legend “BACKUP” 70. A set of four coloured keys 71 (red, green,yellow and blue) enable so-called fast-text facilities to be utilizedwith the TV in teletext mode.

[0054] Pressing an upwardly pointing key (up key) 72 a causes the TV tostep up through the channels in the logical order in which they aretuned and pressing the downwardly pointing key (down key) 72 b causesthe TV to step down through the channels. The keypad also includes leftand right keys 73 a and 73 b that serve no function when the remotecontrol unit 28 is operating in the TV mode, but are used together withthe up and down keys 72 a, 72 b to navigate around the IEPG when thesystem is in a satellite configuration.

[0055] The keypad includes an on/off key 74 for causing the TV to switchbetween an on mode and a standby mode. The keypad further comprises a“SAT” key 75, the selection of which causes the remote control unit 28to transmit command signals to the system 1 causing it to operate in asatellite configuration. When the SAT key 75 is pressed the processor 62responds by causing the transmitter 64 to transmit a command to thedecoder 3 to enter a receive mode in which signals are received from thesatellite dish 4, and received signals are decoded and transmitted viathe SCART interface 20 to the TV 2. A command is also sent to the TV 2,if appropriate, so that TV receives signals transmitted by the SCARTinterface 20. If the TV 2 is not connected to the decoder 3 via a SCARTlead, then the commands can be varied to ensure that the TV 2 insteadreceives signals via the UHF modulator 22. Thus the system 1 iscontrolled to operate in a satellite configuration in which the decoder3 receives satellite-based signals which are decoded and output inappropriate form to the TV 2.

[0056] Once the command signals have been transmitted to the TV 2 andthe decoder 3, the processor in the remote control enters a satellitemode corresponding to the satellite configuration of the system 1. Inthe satellite mode, the remote control unit 28 responds to vieweroperation of keys on the keypad 60 by transmitting command signals bothto the TV 2 and to the decoder 3 as appropriate.

[0057] Digital signals in the channels received via the satellite dish 4contain programme schedule information which can be displayed underviewer control on the TV 2 when the system 1 is in the satelliteconfiguration. That is to say, the decoder 3 can be controlled by way ofthe remote control unit 28 to operate as the intelligent electronicprogramme guide (IEPG) by causing the TV to display information relatingto programme schedules, customer services and the like.

[0058] The remote control keypad 60 comprises a TV guide key 77,selection of which causes the decoder 3 to output for display a TV guidemain menu or screen. Similarly, selecting a box office key 78, acustomer service key 79 or an interactive service key 80 will cause thedecoder to select an appropriate menu or screen for display to enableviewer interaction. The processor 62 is arranged to respondintelligently to the selection of any of the keys 77 to 80. If thesystem 1 (and therefore also the remote control 28) is in TV mode whenany of the keys 77 to 80 are depressed, the processor 62 of the remotecontrol responds by transmitting appropriate signals to the TV 2 and thedecoder 3 to place the system 1 in the satellite configuration. Theprocessor 62 then causes the remote control 28 to enter the satellitemode.

[0059] The remote control keypad 60 also includes a select key 81provided to enable user interaction with IEPG screens displayed on theTV screen. The select key also enables interaction with otherinformation displayed on the TV screen. A help key 82 causes the decoderto output for display help information. The processor 23 is arranged torespond intelligently by displaying help information appropriate to theIEPG screen displayed on the TV monitor when the help key 82 isselected. Selection of the info key 69 similarly causes the transmissionof commands to the decoder causing the decoder processor 23 to outputfor display appropriate information depending on the IEPG menu displayedon the screen of the TV 2 when the info key 69 is selected.

[0060] When the remote control 28 is operating in the satellite mode,the processor 62 therein is arranged to respond to selection of any ofthe coloured keys 71 by transmitting so-called quick response commandsto the decoder. The manner in which the decoder responds to theselection of the coloured keys 71 is software controlled and will varybetween IEPG screens as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

[0061] Decoder Functions

[0062] The decoder 3 provides several facilities based on informationstored in the memory 25 to 27 of the decoder, information transmittedwith video in television channels and information transmitted indedicated IEPG channels. The facilities provided by the decoder will bedescribed under separate headings as follows.

[0063] Surf, Search and Scan

[0064] It is envisaged that the data in each channel will be incompressed form, for example in accordance with the DVB/MPEG-2 standard.DVB allows both video data and other data to be combined in a singlechannel. In addition to the aforementioned operating data 43 (see FIG.3) for use in controlling access to channels, the data in a channel caninclude brief programme scheduling data defining the scheduling ofprogrammes in several of the channels as scheduling events.

[0065] One the scheduling data has been stored in the RAM theinformation relating thereto is available effectively instantaneouslyfor display on the TV. The scheduling data is transmitted regularly (sayevery 10 seconds) so that the decoders are updated quickly after theyare switched on. The information is brief (e.g. title of programme andits start and end times) and only covers a short period of time (e.g. 24or 48 hours) to enable each channel to carry data for other channelsprovided by the same TV service company without excessive overheads interms of bandwidth requirements in each channel and memory requirementsin the decoder.

[0066] The decoder is arranged to enable a schedule of events for onechannel to be displayed while displaying a television programme inanother channel or to display a television programme in one channelwhile displaying a schedule of events for the one channel or anotherchannel. These facilities (which will be referred to herein as “surf”,“search” and “scan”) allow the viewer to search through the programmescheduling information down-loaded from the received signals into theRAM 26 using the up and down keys 72 a, 72 b together with the left andright keys 73 a, 73 b on the remote control unit 28. The “surf” featureallows the viewer to change channels and to view for the current channelscheduling information for the present programme and for the nextscheduled programme simply by pressing the up and down keys 72 a, 72 bon the remote control keypad 60. The “search” feature allows the viewerto move forward and backward in time through scheduling information forthe current channel. Scheduling information for past programmes isdeleted once the programme has finished. The “scan” feature is acombination of the “surf” and “search” features and allows a viewer toview the video for the current channel while inspecting schedulinginformation for other channels.

[0067] The processor 23 of the decoder is arranged so that the surf modeis entered simply by the viewer pressing the up and down keys 72 a, 72b. When one of the keys 72 a, 72 b is depressed the decoder responds byselecting another channel and thereafter outputting the video and audiofor that channel to the TV 2. The processor adds information signals tothe video signal so that the screen displayed on the TV 2 is similar tothe screen shown in FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings. The screendisplayed on the TV comprises a programme portion 95 containing both thevideo for the selected channel and a channel identifier 96 and aninformation portion 97 containing information about the programmecurrently being received including its title and scheduling informationand information about the next programme to be broadcast in the channelincluding its title and scheduling information. Other information suchas the current time and instructions regarding the selection ofprogrammes for other decoder features (e.g. the custom channel to bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter) are also displayed in theinformation portion 97.

[0068] The surf feature and the search feature are shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings. First the surf feature.When either of the up or down keys 72 a, 72 b are depressed theprocessor 23 causes the TV to display the current service picture (sayservice 1) and information relating to that service. This is representedby the box 98 in FIG. 7. If no further keys are pressed within thepredetermined period, the processor removes the service information fromthe display as represented by box 99. If the up key 72 a is depressedthe processor is arranged to select the next logical service (i.e.service 2) and to cause the TV to display the picture therefore togetherwith information relating thereto as represented by box 100. If the downarrow is instead depressed the processor will cause the TV to displaythe previous service picture together with information relating theretoas represented by box 101. It should be noted that in box 91 servicenumber 999 has been identified. This assumes that the decoder is able toreceive 999 different services. The logic of the decoder is such thatwhen the lowest number service is displayed pressing the down buttonwill cause the receiver to select for display the highest number serviceand vice versa. Movement between the boxes 98, 100, 101 and other boxesrelating to other service numbers (not shown) is, of course, controlledby the up and down keys of the remote control 28. In the case of eachbox 98, 100, 101 the information portion for the service is removed sothat only the picture is displayed if no further keys are selected onthe remote control after a predetermined period of time, say tenseconds.

[0069] While the information is being displayed the viewer may use thesearch feature by selecting either the left or right key 73 a, 73 b. Theright key is used to move forward in time, whereas the left key is usedto travel backwards. Thus, for example starting at box 98, with service1 picture and service 1 current information displayed on the TV screenselection of the right key 73 b causes the information to change tolater information for service 1 as represented by box 102. The viewermay return to the display represented by box 98 by pressing the left key73 a or may advance the scheduling information to even later informationfor service 1 by again pressing the right key 73 b. Likewise, startingfrom box 100 the viewer can cause the later information for service 2 tobe displayed with the picture for service 2, as represented by box 103,by pressing the right key 73 b. Similar movement through schedulinginformation for other services, e.g. service 999 as represented by boxes101 and 104, is, of course, also possible.

[0070]FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings shows the scan feature ingreater detail. It will be noted that the left hand column of boxescorrespond to the boxes 98 to 101 representing the surf feature in FIG.7. Starting at box 98 with service 1 picture and service 1 currentinformation displayed on the TV screen, selection of an appropriate keyof the remote control unit, e.g. the information key 69 or anotherdedicated scan key (not shown). Selection of the information key 69 withthe information shown in FIG. 6 displayed on the TV screen causes theprocessor to enter the scan function. An appropriate device representingthe scan function may be displayed on the screen if so desired.Selecting the information key 69 again while in the scan function causesexit from the scan function to the normal TV screen represented by box99.

[0071] While in the scan mode or function, selecting the left and rightkeys 73 a, 73 b changes the displayed information to earlier or laterinformation for the service currently selected, whereas selecting the upand down keys 72 a, 72 b changes the service for which information isdisplayed. At all times in the scan mode the video for the servicedisplayed when the scan mode was entered (i.e. service 1 picture)remains displayed on the TV screen.

[0072] Thus, for example, starting from box 98 and selecting theinformation key 69 followed by the right key 73 b causes the TV tocontinue displaying the picture for service 1 and changes theinformation to information for service 1, as represented by box 105.From box 105, selecting the up key 72 a causes the TV to display thepicture for service 1 together with later information for service 2 asrepresented by the box 106. If the up key 72 a is again depressed theinformation will change to later information for service 3 (not shown).If, however, starting from box 105 the right hand key 73 b is depressedthe information displayed will change to even later information forservice 1 while the picture for service 1 will continue to be displayed,as represented by box 107. Starting from box 107 and selecting the upkey 72 a will result in the processor causing the TV to display service2 even later information together with the service 1 picture asrepresented by box 108.

[0073] In other words, while in scan mode selection of the left andright keys causes the displayed information to move through time andselection of the up and down keys causes the displayed information tomove through services. At all times the picture for the service receivedwhen the scan mode was entered (i.e. service 1) will remain displayed onthe TV screen.

[0074] A similar logical flow can be developed from other startingpoints, e.g. box 100 or box 101. The scan mode can be entered fromeither the surf mode or the search mode by way of the information key69. If a separate dedicated key is provided in the remote controlkeypad, the processor may be arranged to enter the scan mode directlywithout first entering the surf or search modes.

[0075] Intelligent Electronic Programme Guide (IEPG)

[0076] The processor 23 in the decoder is arranged to operate in anintelligent electronic programme guide (IEPG) mode in which informationrelating to programme listings, pay-per-view services, and othercustomer and interactive services is displayable on the screen of the TV2. The decoder is arranged to enter the IEPG mode in response toselection of any one of the TV guide, Box Office, Customer Services orInteractive Services keys 77 to 80 of the remote control keypad 60.Selection of the TV guide key 77 causes the decoder initially to outputdata to the TV 2 representing an IEPG screen comprising two panels ofoptions 113 and 114 as shown in FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings. Theleft-hand panel 113 contains options corresponding to the keys 77 to 80on the remote control keypad 60 and it will be noted that the box marked“TV Guide” 115 is highlighted as depicted by the double linessurrounding the “TV Guide” legend. In practice the box 115 would behighlighted for example by changing the shape and/or size of the box,increasing the brightness of the box, and/or changing the coluor of thebox. In the event that the viewer selected one of the other buttons 78to 80, then the corresponding one of the other boxes 116 to 118 wouldinstead be initially highlighted. The boxes 115 to 118 serve as areminder to the viewer that these facilities are available forselection. The viewer can move between the boxes by manipulating thekeys 77 to 80 on the keypad 60 or the up and down keys 72 a, 72 b.

[0077] The right-hand panel 114 identifies options available for theIEPG facility highlighted in the left hand panel 113. Thus, for examplewhen the “TV Guide” box 115 is highlighted in the left hand panel, theright hand panel will identify the type of programme listings availablein the TV guide.

[0078] TV Guide

[0079] Programmes can be listed by category, for example time 115, title116, movies 117, sports 118, childrens 119, factual 120, soaps 121 orhot shows 122. Additionally, a listing of programmes entered into acustom channel 123 (to be described hereinbelow) can be displayed. Withthe TV guide selected, the viewer may scroll through the availableoptions in the panel 114 by way of the up and down keys 72 a, 72 b ofthe remote control unit and may select a listing in a desired format byoperation of the select key 81.

[0080] When a listing in a desired format is selected, the processor 23causes the display to be changed to the TV Guide screen shown in FIG. 10of the accompanying drawings. The screen is divided into a top area 125,a grid area 126, and a lower area 127.

[0081] The top area of the TV Guide screen contains information such asa “TV Guide” logo in, say, the top left-hand corner and the current timein, say, the top right-hand corner. A legend indicating the formatselected (e.g. “listings by time” ) is displayed in the center of thetop area and the name of the day to which the listings relate isdisplayed, say, at the right-hand edge of the top area. The top area 125also contains an event icon box 128 which displays graphical icons 129to 132 indicating whether or not an event has subtitles (an ear icon),additional information (an “I” icon), is a pay-per-view event, issubject to parental or other restriction, and so on.

[0082] The grid area 126 contains several entries of the selectedlisting. Entries can be scrolled by way of the up and down keys 72 a, 72b of the remote control 28. The IEPG is arranged so that at any giventime a selected one of the entries displayed in the grid area 126 ishighlighted and the icons in the event icon box 128 relate to thehighlighted entry.

[0083] The lower area 127 of the screen displays functions associatedwith the colour keys 71 of the remote control. The functions performedin responses to selection of the colour keys is determined by the IEPGsoftware and will therefore vary between different IEPG screens. Forexample, if the currently displayed listing is “time” the IEPG may bearranged to respond to selection of the red key by changing the screento the “title” listing, and to respond to viewer selection of the greenkey by changing the display to the “movies” listing.

[0084] When the “time” listing is selected the IEPG enables the viewerto access seven days of listings for all channels. When the “title”listing is selected a list of events for the next 48 hours is displayedin alphabetical order. When the “movies” listing is selected a list ofmovie titles is displayed in alphabetical order. Similarly, when the“sports”, “childrens”, “factual” and “soaps” listings are selectedappropriate lists of programme titles and other information aredisplayed in alphabetical order on the TV screen. When the “hot shows”listing is selected a list of programmes which have been selected by themarketing department of the television service company is displayed inalphabetical order on the screen. Such shows may include firstscreenings, special events and the like that the marketing departmentswish to promote.

[0085] The programme information for the listings is carried in aseparate IEPG channel and can therefore be quite detailed. The displayedlisting will include information about the day on which the programme isbeing shown, the time at which it starts and the time at which itfinishes.

[0086] Programme Mosaic

[0087] In addition to displaying lists of television programmesavailable on several channels the processor is arranged to display amosaic of promotional video clips simultaneously on the screen of the TV2. The high bandwidths made available using digital techniques make itboth possible and cost effective to use a single channel as apromotional channels. It is envisaged that the promotional channel wouldonly be accessible by way of the IEPG to enable viewers to inspectforthcoming promotions and to select for viewing programmes advertisedin the IEPG promotional channel.

[0088]FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawings shows an example of a mosaicdisplay comprising sixteen different promotional video clips running ina respective cell A to P. Each of the promotional video clips is ofrelatively short duration (say 2 to 3 minutes) and is run in acontinuous cycle. The clips are combined in the mosaic form by the TVservice company before transmission, and the whole mosaic is transmittedas video data representing a single picture in a single channel. Dataidentifying the events being promoted in each cell is transmitted withthe video data for use by the processor 23 in the decoder. When themosaic is first displayed one of the cells, e.g. cell F, is highlighted.The processor 23 is arranged to respond to viewer manipulation of the upand down, and left and right keys 72 a, 72 b and 73 a, 73 b of theremote control 28 by changing the highlighted cell. In this way, theviewer is able to navigate about the screen to enable a cell to beselected.

[0089] Cell selection is by way of the select key 81. The processor 23is arranged to respond to manipulation of the select key for example inone of three ways. One way in which the processor 23 may respond is bytuning the receiver directly to the selected programme so that theviewer may view the programme immediately. Another way in which theprocessor 23 may respond is by adding details of the selected programmeto the custom channel (to be described in greater detail hereinafter).Another way in which the processor may respond is by changing thedisplay to the Box Office format shown in FIG. 12 of the accompanyingdrawings. That is to say, the processor 23 can be arranged so that theprogramme mosaic provides a route into the Box Office facility whichwill now be described.

[0090] Box Office (Pay-Per-View)

[0091] The Box Office facility may be accessed in several differentways. One way, as has already been mentioned herein, is for the viewerto select a cell from the promotional programme mosaic. Another way intothe Box Office facility is for the viewer to select a pay-per-viewprogramme from the TV guide.

[0092] The main route into the Box Office facility is via the IEPGinitial screen shown in FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings. With theIEPG initial screen displayed on the screen of the TV 2, viewermanipulation either of the box office key 78 or the up, down, left andright keys 72 a and b, 73 a and b together with select key 81 of theremote control unit 28 causes the processor 23 to output for displaydata in the Box Office format shown in FIG. 12. The format of the BoxOffice screen, and indeed the format of other screens described herein,is defined by the aforementioned template data. The template data may bepredefined in memory or downloaded to the decoder in signals receivedvia the satellite dish antenna 4.

[0093] The box office screen 139 is divided into three areas. The topleft hand quadrant 140 contains a moving promotional video. In theinterest of bandwidth economy it is preferred that the promotional videois derived from the promotional video in an IEPG mosaic channel. This isachieved by the processor 23 increasing the size of the video clip fromthe IEPG mosaic channel from {fraction (1/16)} screen size to ¼ screensize by way of pixel replication, interpolation, etc. Of course, aseparate IEPG channel containing only four ¼ size videos could insteadbe utilized with a suitable number of channels being employed to coverall desired pay-per-view events, although this is more wasteful ofbandwidth. The top right hand quadrant 141 contains useful informationsuch as the time and date and the television service logo.

[0094] As has previously been mentioned, each promotional video clip hasassociated with it data defining such information as the title of theprogramme and the time or times when the programme is to be broadcast.The processor uses the received information data together with thetemplate data to generate a title and an event listing which are bothdisplayed in the lower half 142 of the box office screen. Additionalinformation such as special messages or discount information may also beassociated with the promotional video clip. This additional informationmay be displayed in the right hand quadrant 141 or the lower half 142 ofthe box office screen, as desired.

[0095] In general the lower half 142 of the screen will display, inaddition to the title and start time (including both time of day andday) of the next showing, information including at least some of thefollowing. Some programmes, especially movies, are shown more than once.The additional information will include the frequency of showing if aprogramme is to be shown more than once. The rating of movies will alsobe shown. The price of viewing the programme will be shown in localcurrency. An “I” symbol will be displayed if an extended description ofthe programme is available. Finally, an ordering message such as “PressSELECT to order now” will be displayed in the lower half 142 of the BoxOffice screen.

[0096] As with previously described screens, the processor 23 isarranged to respond to manipulation of the up and down, and left andright keys of the remote control unit 28 by moving a highlight, or othersuitable marker such as a cursor, around the Box Office screen.

[0097] In the event that the viewer presses the select key on the remotecontrol unit 28, the processor 23 will respond by outputting for displaydata representing a box office ordering screen. The ordering screen isalso displayed if the Box Office facility is entered either from thepromotional mosaic or from the TV Guide. The purpose of the orderingscreen is to enable the viewer to specify in detail the exact programmethat he wishes to order. The ordering screen therefore includes suchinformation as the title of the programme, the start time of theprogramme, or in the case of a movie the next showing of the movie, andthe price of the programme. For movies additional information regardingthe rating and the frequency of showing will also be shown. If adiscount is to be made available for viewing at certain times that toowill be shown. When there is more than one showing of a programme,legends will be displayed for the time of each showing and the viewerwill be able to select the desired showing by way of the up, down, leftand right keys 72 a, 72 b, 73 a, 73 b of the remote control unit 28.

[0098] The decoder may include a PIN (Personal Identification Number)facility to prevent unauthorised ordering of programmes, for example, orthe ordering of adult rated movies by minors. If a PIN facility isincluded, the ordering screen will include a portion with which theviewer must interact to enter the PIN number via the remote control unit28 before the order can be placed.

[0099] Once the viewer is satisfied with the order defined in the orderscreen displayed on the TV 2, the viewer may confirm the order bypressing the select key 81 of the remote control unit. The processor 23is arranged to respond to the select command signal from the remotecontrol unit by outputting data defining a confirmation screen fordisplay on the TV 2. The confirmation screen contains the sameinformation as the ordering screen together with a message such as “ForFinal Confirmation Press SELECT”. If any time the viewer wishes to backout of an order or change an order to a different programme instead,pressing the back up key 70 will cause the processor 23 to return todisplaying of the previous screen. The viewer pressing the select key 81of the remote control unit causes the processor 23 to respond byentering an order placing routine.

[0100] If the decoder 3 is connected to a telephone line via the modem7, the processor 23 will send data via the modem 7 to the TV servicecompany placing the order for the viewer. The processor 23 is arrangedto wait for confirmation that the order has been accepted, or otherwise,before controlling the modem to hang up. If the order has been acceptedthe processor will output a confirmatory message for display on the TVscreen. If the order is not accepted the processor will instead outputfor display appropriate instructions to the viewer, such as “Pleasecontact the TV service company”.

[0101] Where the decoder does not include a modem or where connectioncannot be made via the modem the processor will output for displaysuitable instructions to the viewer advising the viewer how to place theorder by telephone.

[0102] The CD-ROM drive 25 a can optionally be utilized in order to savebandwidth. Use of the CD-ROM drive 25 a makes it possible for TV servicecompanies to send some data direct to viewers via a compact disc (CD)for insertion into the CD-ROM drive 25 a. The CD may contain templatedata and other similar data associated with the routine operation of theprocessor 23. The CD may also contain data defining a whole month (say)of listings for all services broadcast by the same company, and may evencontain data defining the promotional video clips used in the mosaicdisplay and the Box Office display. Non-changing information such as thetitle of a programme may be delivered to the customer with the videoclip data on CD, and changing information such as future showing timesmay be included in the signals transmitted via satellite.

[0103] Alternatively, or additionally, the modem can be utilized in thetransfer of data to viewers. A command signal may be transmitted via thesatellite instructing the processor 23 to cause a message to bedisplayed immediately or when the decoder is next switched on. Themessage would instruct the viewer to connect the modem to a specifiednumber at a specified time for the downloading of new data. Of course,the processor 23 can be arranged to bypass the viewer entirely byresponding to a suitable command signal by causing the modem to connectto the specified number. The approach used to download new or updatingdata is simply a matter of viewer and service company preference.

[0104] Custom Channel

[0105] The information carried in each channel includes data for theprocessor 23 to enable the decoder 3 to be programmed to switch atappropriate times to events selected by the viewer. The processor 23 istherefore able to create under viewer control a so-called custom channelcomprising a sequence of programmes or events selected in advance by theviewer from the displayed TV guide from the Mosaic or Box Officedisplays or by surfing and searching the brief scheduling informationstored in RAM. In other words, the custom channel is a virtual channelprogrammed by the viewer in accordance with his or her planned viewingschedule.

[0106] Data defining the custom channel is held in a look up table inthe RAM 26. When the viewer selects a programme by pressing the selectbutton 81 of the remote control unit a prompt is displayed asking theviewer to confirm that the programme is to be entered onto the customchannel for future viewing. The viewer confirms the selection bypressing the select key 81 again.

[0107] The titles and other details of programmes in the custom channelcan be viewed at any time by selecting the “custom channel” option fromthe TV listings display shown in FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings.Should there be a clash of programmes selected for the custom channel,the viewer is presented with a prompt screen identifying the clash andproviding alternative options. The presentation of programme details onthe custom channel is displayed a day at a time in time order. Theprocessor 23 is arranged to respond to selection of the up and down keys72 a, 72 b by moving through time on the day displayed and to respond toselection of the left and right keys 73 a, 73 b by changing thedisplayed information to previous or subsequent days.

[0108] If the custom channel has no events added to it by the viewerthen it remains inactive. However, once events have been added to thecustom channel by the viewer, operation of the decoder depends on thecustom channel. The processor 23 is arranged so that when an event inthe custom channel is one minute away from starting a prompt message isoutput for display on the TV screen reminding the viewer that the eventpreviously selected is about to start. The prompt also asks the viewerfor confirmation that he or she still wishes to tune to the event whenit is scheduled to start. If the viewer presses the select key 81 of theremote control unit the decoder will remain tuned to the current serviceuntil the scheduled start time of the custom channel event, at whichtime the decoder will tune to that event. If the viewer presses thebackup key 70 on the remote control, the prompt will be removed from thedisplay and the decoder will remain tuned to the currently viewedservice. The event will not, however, be removed from the custom channellisting. Consequently, should the viewer choose simply to extend theviewing of the currently viewed event, he can return to thepreprogrammed event at a later time simply by entering the customchannel, for example via the TV guide listing screen shown in FIG. 6. Ifno key is pressed within a predetermined period of time, the prompt isremoved from the display. All entries in the custom channel areautomatically deleted from the RAM once the events have finished.

[0109] A programme may be related in some way to other programmes to betransmitted at different times and/or on different channels by the sameTV service company. Obviously, programmes in daily or weekly serials arerelated to each other. Other relationships are less obvious. Forexample, a TV service company may wish to run a season of James Bondmovies over a number of different channels with each movies being shownone or more times. Broadcasting in the digital domain makes it easy toinclude in the data for the showings of each movie further data linkingthat movie to other movies in the season. The processor 23 is arrangedto respond to such linking data by displaying prompts when the viewerselects one movie for the custom channel. The prompts alert the viewerto other movies in the season and ask the viewer whether he/she wishesany of the other movies to be included in the custom channel.Interaction between the viewer and the IEPG then proceeds in a similarmanner to that already discussed hereinabove to allow the viewer to addsome or all of the linked programmes to the custom channel as desired.

[0110] Customer Services

[0111] The provision of a smart card enables every decoder to beuniquely identified. In view of the large data carrying capacity ofcompressed digital signals it is therefore possible for a TV servicecompany to transmit personal messages to individual subscribers. In aconventional e-mail system receipt of a message depends on thedestination being connected to a telephone line. Transmitting e-mailtype messages to satellite decoders with smart cards does not sufferfrom this weakness. Unless a supply of power is physically removed froma decoder, the decoder will not normally be switched off. Decoders aredesigned to enter a stand-by mode when they are switched “off” by theviewer. In the standby mode a decoder can still receive signals via thesatellite dish antenna.

[0112] When the user switches “off” the decoder 3, the processor 23enters a stand-by mode in which the information data context of receivedsignals is monitored for general updating control and programmescheduling data and also for message data specifically for the decoder23 as determined by the identity data in the smart card 16 a. In thisway, a simple and inexpensive e-mail type message broadcasting systemmay be realized. The inclusion of the modem 32 within the decoder meansthat communication from the viewer back to the TV service company isalso possible.

[0113] Interactive Services

[0114] The provision of the modem 32 within the decoder 3 also makesviewer interactive services possible. One application of this is toallow viewers to vote on the progress of a game show by pressing keys ofthe remote control unit 28. In the interactive mode the processor 23 isarranged to respond to signals from the remote control unit bytransmitting appropriate data to a central polling station via the modem32. Data representing instructions on how to interact with the game(i.e. which keys to press on the remote control unit) and commands tothe processor 23 are transmitted as information data with the videodata. The information data is decoded by the processor 23 which reactsas appropriate to the commands (i.e. connecting the modem to a telephonenumber if the viewer wishes to participate in the game) and also outputsthe game instructions for display with the game programme on the screenof the TV 2.

[0115] The modem 32 also makes it possible for a viewer to interact withon-line services such as banking, insurance and mail order. It isenvisaged that a channel similar to the above-discussed mosaic channelwould carry promotional video and other promotional information forseveral companies offering an on-line service. The processor 23 can bearranged to enable the viewer to select a service from a service mosaicdisplay screen in much the same way as programmes can be selected thepromotional mosaic display screen shown in FIG. 11 of the drawings.Viewer selection of a service would result in the processor 23establishing connection with the service via the modem 32.

[0116] It can take tens of seconds for a modem to establish connection.The processor is arranged to display the promotional video for theselected service together with additional information relating to theservice on, say, a screen similar to the box office screen shown in FIG.12 while the modem connection is being made. Such a display entertainsthe viewer while the modem connection is being established and isreplaced with a more appropriate screen for interaction with the serviceonce the connection has been made.

[0117] It will be appreciated by those possessed of the appropriateskills and knowledge that the invention is not limited to televisionsignals transmitted via satellite or cable. The invention can be appliedequally to any system for receiving digital television signals includingthe digital signal systems currently under investigation by terrestrialbroadcasters in the UK and elsewhere.

[0118] Having thus described the present invention by reference to apreferred embodiment it is to be well understood that the embodiment inquestion is exemplary only and that modifications and variations such aswill occur to those possessed of appropriate knowledge and skills may bemade without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A receiver for receiving digital television signals transmitted in aplurality of channels each comprising video data and information datathe receiver comprising: a decoder circuit operable on one selectedchannel for separating in the one channel the information data and thevideo data and converting the video data into signals for output for atelevision; a store for storing information data; a viewer operablecontrol device; and a processor connected to receive the informationdata from the decoder circuit and/or the store, the processor beingarranged to respond to viewer operation of the control device byprocessing selected information data to convert the same into signalsrepresentative thereof for output for a television in combination withthe video signals.
 2. A receiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein theinformation data in each channel comprises brief programme schedulinginformation for plural channels, which scheduling information data iscarried in each channel at closely spaced intervals or substantiallycontinuously.
 3. A receiver as claimed in claim 2, wherein the decoderand the processor are arranged to respond to view manipulation of thecontrol device by outputting for a television signals representing videoand selected information for another channel, the processor beingarranged to respond to further viewer manipulation of the control deviceby varying the information represented by the output signals.
 4. Areceiver as claimed in claim 3, wherein the selected informationcomprises current scheduling information for programmes in the channelpresently received by the decoder, and the processor is arranged torespond to said further manipulation by outputting signals representingscheduling information at a different time in the present channel.
 5. Areceiver as claimed in claim 3, wherein the selected informationcomprises current scheduling information for programmes in anotherchannel different than the channel presently received by the decoder,and the processor is arranged to respond to said further manipulation byoutputting signals representing scheduling information at a differenttime in the other channel.
 6. A receiver as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe information data comprises detailed programme scheduling informationfor plural channels, which scheduling information data is carriedoccasionally by each channel, and the decoder is arranged to store thedetailed scheduling data in the store.
 7. A receiver as claimed in claim6, wherein the processor is arranged to respond to viewer manipulationof the control device by processing data from the store to derivetherefrom signals representing selected detailed information in selectedchannels for output to a television.
 8. A receiver as claimed in claim7, wherein the processor is arranged to respond to further viewermanipulation of the control device by storing for a selected programmein the channels viewing data to enable the programme to be viewed whenvideo data therefor is transmitted in a channel at a scheduled time. 9.A receiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the plurality ofchannels comprises video and information data for a plurality of videoclips which video clips each represent a respective programme availableor to be made available for viewing.
 10. A receiver as claimed in claim9, wherein the decoder is arranged to output signals representing theplural video clips for simultaneous display in respective portions of atelevision screen, and the processor is arranged to respond to viewermanipulation of the control device by storing for a selected video clipviewing data to enable the programme to which the selected clip relatesto be viewed when video data therefor is transmitted in a channel at ascheduled time.
 11. A receiver as claimed in claim 9, wherein thedecoder is arranged to respond to viewer manipulation of the controldevice by outputting signals representing a selected one of the videoclips for display on the television screen, and the processor isarranged to respond to said viewer manipulation by processing theinformation data and outputting signals representing schedulinginformation for the selected clip.
 12. A receiver as claimed in claim11, wherein the processor is arranged to respond to further viewermanipulation of the control device by storing viewing data to enable theprogramme represented by the clip to be viewed when video data thereforeis transmitted in a channel at a scheduled time.
 13. A receiver asclaimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is arranged to store theviewing data in the store in such a manner as to enable custom channeldata to be defined, the decoder and the processor being arranged tooperate according to the custom channel data depending on viewermanipulation of the control device.
 14. A receiver as claimed in ofclaim 1, further comprising a modem interface or a model to enable theprocessor to transmit and receive signals via a telephone line, theprocessor being arranged to output signals to the modem for transmissiondepending on received information data and user manipulation of thecontrol device.
 15. A receiver as claimed in claim 1, further comprisingan identifying device containing unique identity data to enable thereceiver to be uniquely identified, and wherein the information data inthe channels comprises message data for a receiver of a specifiedidentity, and the processor is arranged to respond to the message datadepending on the identity data in the identifying device by storing themessage data in the store and converting the same into signalsrepresenting a message for output for a television.
 16. A receiver asclaimed in of claim 1, wherein the information data comprises updatingdata which is transmitted occasionally for use by the processor.
 17. Areceiver as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a CD-ROM drive forreading a CD containing updating data for use by the processor.
 18. Areceiver as claimed in claim 16, wherein said updating data comprisesdata defining new applications to be executed by the processor.
 19. Areceiver as claimed in claim 16, wherein said updating data comprisestemplate data for use by the processor in defining the format in whichinformation is represented by the signals output for a television.
 20. Areceiver as claimed in claim 1, wherein the viewer operable controldevice comprises a remote control device.
 21. A receiver as claimed inclaim 1 connected to a television.
 22. A receiver for receivingtelevision signals in a plurality of channels, each signal comprisingvideo data defining a television programme and programme scheduling datadefining the scheduling of programmes in the plurality of channels asscheduling events, the receiver being arranged to produce from areceived television signal output signals defining an image of thetelevision programme and an image of scheduling events for display on atelevision screen, the receiver comprising a user operable selectoroperable to select for display a schedule of events for one channelwhile displaying a television programme in another channel or to selectfor display a television programme in one channel while displaying aschedule of events for the one channel or another channel.
 23. Areceiver as claimed in claim 22, wherein the programme scheduling datain each channel comprises brief programme scheduling information forplural channels, which scheduling information data is carried in eachchannel at closely spaced intervals or substantially continuously.
 24. Areceiver as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a decoder andprocessor arranged to respond to viewer manipulation of the useroperable selector by outputting for a television signals representingvideo for another channel and selected information for the otherchannel, the processor being arranged to respond to further operation ofthe selector by varying the information represented by the outputsignals.
 25. A receiver as claimed in claim 24, wherein the selectedinformation comprises current scheduling information for programmes inthe channel presently received by the decoder, and the processor isarranged to respond to said further manipulation by outputting signalsrepresenting scheduling information at a different time in the presentchannel.
 26. A receiver as claimed in claim 25, wherein the selectedinformation comprises current scheduling information for programmes inanother channel different than the channel presently received by thedecoder, and the processor is arranged to respond to said furthermanipulation by outputting signals representing scheduling informationat a different time in the other channel.
 27. A receiver for receivingtelevision signals defining television programmes in a plurality ofchannels, the receiver being arranged to produce output signals defininga plurality of video clips representing television programmes availablein the plural signal channels which output signals are output fordisplay of the clips in respective areas on a television screen, thereceiver comprising a user operable selector operable to select one ofthe displayed clips and responding to such user selection by storingdata to cause the receiver to receive the television signals when theprogramme is transmitted in the corresponding channel for display of theprogramme on a television screen.
 28. A receiver as claimed in claim 27,wherein one of the plurality of channels comprises video and informationdata for a plurality of video clips which video clips each represent arespective programme available or to be made available for viewing. 29.A receiver as claimed in claim 28, further comprising a processorarranged to respond to operation of the selector by storing for aselected video clip viewing data to enable the programme to which theselected clip relates to be viewed when video data therefor istransmitted in a channel at a scheduled time.
 30. A receiver as claimedin claim 28, wherein the decoder signals representing a selected one ofthe video clips are output for display on the television screen and theinformation data is processed and signals representing schedulinginformation for the selected clip are output for display on thetelevision screen.
 31. A receiver as claimed in claim 30, whereinfurther operation of the selector causes viewing data to be stored toenable the programme represented by the clip to be viewed when videodata therefore is transmitted in a channel at a scheduled time.
 32. Areceiver as claimed in claim 27, wherein the viewing data is stored insuch a manner as to enable custom channel data to be defined, thereceiver being arranged to operate according to the custom channel datadepending on operation of the selector.
 33. A receiver for receivingtelevision signals in a plurality of channels each defining a televisionprogramme and at least a signal in one of the channels furthercomprising programme scheduling data defining events in terms ofchannels, programmes and broadcast times, the receiver being arranged toproduce output signals defining an image of events in the programmeschedule for displaying on a television screen, the receiver comprisinga user operable selector operable to select events identified in thedisplayed programme schedule and responding to such user selection bystoring data to cause the receiver to receive television signalsdefining the programmes in the channels and at the times correspondingto the selected events.
 34. A receiver as claimed in claim 33, whereinthe scheduling data comprises linking data that links one programmebroadcast at one time in a channel and another programme broadcast atanother time in a channel, the receiver being arranged to store data forreception of the one programme and the other programme upon selection ofthe one or other programme depending on user operation of the selector.35. A receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality ofchannels each defining a television programme and scheduling datadefining the scheduling of programmes in plural channels as schedulingevents, the receiver comprising a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)drive for reading a compact disc containing data defining additionalinformation for use by, the receiver.